LAUSR

Abstract In this study, the streaming potential and electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency are discussed under the low zeta potential approximation through a microparallel channel with consideration of rotational effect. By solving Poisson-Boltzmann equation and modified Navier–Stokes equation, the analytical expressions of the streaming potential and electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency in the electrolyte solution are obtained. Combining with the numerical calculation, the influences of the dimensionless electrokinetic width K and the rotational angular velocity ω on streaming potential and the electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency are discussed. The results show that the streaming potential fields decrease both in mainstream and secondary directions with the electrokinetic width K, it decreases with the non-dimensional rotational angular velocity in the mainstream direction and it shows a first increasing then decreasing trend in the secondary flow direction. In addition, the influences of related non-dimensional parameters, including electrokinetic width, wall electric potential and rotational angular velocity, on the electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency are also discussed in detail. The rotating effect can enhance conversion efficiency comparing to the case of no rotation. The increase of wall electric potential gives rise to an augment in electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency. These theoretical results make sense to the energy harvesting in the rotating microfluidic systems.